Many African pastors come from unstable political environments, oppressive social structures, and depressing economic environments; yet they are influenced by the African culture that teaches a unified world view where the physical and the spiritual overlap, and where the spiritual leader must become a channel of God's power and a voice of the people in community gatherings. This background, along with well-grounded principles of interpretation, will enable the African pastor to serve effectively in homogenous rural communities of North America where suspicion ofthe stranger/outsider is high. Through non-threatening and faithful biblical preaching that engages the heart and mind, leads to empowerment and liberation, and pursues action with a cause for celebration, rural communities will realize the universal nature of the Gospel and join the African pastor to pursue social change.
